Computer boots up, but Windows won't open

Hi All,

I have Windows 98 on an older compter. I tried to connect to the internet and it gave me a message of "corrupt files" and then shut down. I restarted the computer only to get hung up in a loop. It boots up fine but, when Windows tries to open, it goes into DOS mode and gives me a message that "Windows found some corrupt files in the regestry and has replaced it with a recently backed up copy. Restart your computer." When I restart my computer, it goes throught the same thing over and over. I did a DOS scandisk which fixed some errors, but I still can't get windows to open. I can't even start it in safe mode. Do I need to replace some windows files or re-install windows, or what?

Patti

 

Hi Patti,
mmmm....
On the face of it you seem to have run out of backup registries. Seems doubtful that you may have run out of backups (they worked previously).

I will let the people that know about the registry handle that side (scanreg /fix??)

I wonder if it may be the program that actually loads the registry.

If you don't come across any success, I would reinstall Windows over itself. Boot to a startup floppy and run setup. Install to the C:\Windows folder.
If you have problems after that, you could load the first registry from the previous installation of Windows, it is called System.1st and is located on the root drive (C:\). You will lose all the connections to your current applications, but they will still be there, you will only need to reinstall your applications/software to the same folder that were in previously and you will be back where you were.

See if the registry people have something in mind first.

Matt

 

scanreg /repair

Instructions from symanted

The next thing to try is to copy the system files from your win98 boot floppy to your PC
Boot to the floppy and at the A:_> prompt type
sys C:
and hit enter.
it will say system files transferred . At this point , remove the floppy and do a ctrl+alt+del twice to reboot.

If you do not have one you can download an image file to make a win98 boot floppy here
http://www.bootdisk.com/bootdisk.htm
Get the correct one, win98 or 98SE as appropriate (Probably 98se if you are unsure)

If something more serious is damaged you may wind up installing windows over itself. You can then rescue most of your data . You will probably have to reinstall most of your programs to get them to work.

 

This is what I would try. Start the computer normally, when you get the message about the registry being corrupt, do not click on Ok. Instead press CTRL+ALT+DEL, and the Task Manager window will appear. Highlight the 'registry checker' entry, and click on End Task. Another window will appear, click on 'End Task' there. Now Shutdown, but choose to Restart in Dos Mode.
Type in these commands, pressing Enter at the end of each line, this first appears to do nothing.
scanreg /opt
scanreg /fix
When you get the message that 'windows has repaired the registry', reboot.

 

I thought there was a command scanreg /restore
Then you were prompted to pick a registry backup from a list
Sorry if I am wrong, it's been a while for me on Windows 98

 

There is. It also has to be done from the DOS Mode.

I myself have the Startup Floppy set to do it also.

BillyBob

 

Lousianna, posted Aug28th and not back yet?
Sure hope you are Okay and didn't get hurricaned.

 

Hello Everyone,

Yes, I live in the devastated area in St. Tammany Parish. I still don't have electricity or phone at my home. I will try your suggestions when I can and let you know the results. Keep the prayers coming because now we have Rita on the way.

Thanks for all your help.
Patti